MIXING
Stereo width and panning, visualized
Panning decides left-right position, width decides how wide a sound feels. They're different controls that get confused constantly. See both at once here.
Try it
- Pan a sound hard left, then hard right, then back to center, and watch the stereo field.
- Keep it centered and increase width instead. Notice panning didn't move.
- Push width to the extreme and check what happens when the signal is summed to mono.
What to listen for
Extreme width can sound huge in stereo and noticeably thinner or even partially cancelled in mono. Always check mono compatibility before calling a mix finished, phones and clubs sum to mono more often than expected.
This tool is one part of the picture. Electronic Music Production for Beginners covers the rest.